Steel commuter/ light touring bikes: How to choose?

[roguedog]

Hey buddha,

If you want to go canadian, i've always drooled over Mariposa cycles' work but I have a thing for lugs and classic styling.

http://www.mariposabicycles.com/touring-bike-26.html

This picture makes we want to plop down some cash...

They also have a randonneur.

Check em out. The owner's daughter in law, Dede, was a time trial silver medalist in Athens.


Oh and then there's always Rivendell's too for a US based company.

[buddha_bellies]

Thanks everyone. I saw the Surly... not too thrill with the paint color. I know, it's really silly but I just can't see myself with it.

DH now thinks maybe I should look into the Trek Soho Yes, it's aluminum. I don't know how that would ride since I've never had an aluminum bike before. But he likes the idea of the carbon drive belt and internal hub brakes...there's no major maintenance involved. And since I ride in all weather, it's less work for him But I wonder how durable these compontents are. It's one thing if I'm biking in town. But what about when I'm doing my credit card touring?

I guess the search continues...

[KnottedYet]

Hmmmm... asphalt gray bike, on gray asphalt, during gray-lit commuting hours.

Oh, Trek, how could you paint a commuter GRAY!?!?!?!

The Soho is a pretty appealing bike, but for 1/3 that price you could get an aluminum Kona Dew commuter or a steel Kona Smoke commuter.

Touring would definitely require a different bike, but if you are interested in aluminum commuters there are many out there which are very good and mighty low-priced. And they have standard parts which would be easy to repair/replace.

ETA: aluminum vs steel is one of those eternal debates. Some folks feel the difference, some don't. I feel it, and after an hour or so it becomes aggravating. YMMV.

[Zen]

The Soho is a pretty appealing bike, but for 1/3 that price you could get an aluminum Kona Dew commuter or a steel Kona Smoke commuter.

appealing or appalling? Ever since I got the Jamis I've fallen hard out of love for anything Trek*

this comment is subject to change upon viewing/riding of the Bellville

[buddha_bellies]

appealing or appalling? Ever since I got the Jamis I've fallen hard out of love for anything Trek*

this comment is subject to change upon viewing/riding of the Bellville

Oh Dear. Have you had problems with Trek? Or you just LOVE your Jamis? I wish I could even get on a Jamis. I saw some of their bikes, I love their paint colors.

As to the Surly, I saw the green. DH thought it was the ugliest color for a bike. I have to agree. I guess the beige color is not bad if you get the right color accessories. But I'm still not too crazy with the finishing.

I saw a build-up Marinoni Turismo last week. OMG! I love this bike! The finishing is awesome. I can see why people would pay more for a custom bike. I think it's set then... I'm gonna get myself a Marinoni... once I save up more money. Custom paint is always a bonus!

Thanks everyone!!!

[eofelis]

I have a 44cm Specialized Ruby and I like the fit. I also have a 42cm Surly Pacer and a 42cm Surly LHT. So I feel that the fit is similar on these bikes (depending on components).

I have my Pacer set up as a sport-tourer with a light pannier rack and sometimes use it for commuting. It's a sturdy, inexpensive, easily replaceable frame that I don't worry too much about. My LHT is a pretty bombproof little bike. I've done two week+ tours with it in southwest Colorado.

I looked into a Crosscheck, but the standover of the 42cm model is 2cm taller than the 42cm Pacer and 42cm LHT. This is probably due to the increased tire clearance of the frame.

I looked into Somas, but the smallest ones are still too big for me.

Gunnars are nice, my bf has two Gunnar road bikes and a Rockhound mtn bike. But the smaller frame sizes have 650c wheels.

[buddha_bellies]

I have a 44cm Specialized Ruby and I like the fit. I also have a 42cm Surly Pacer and a 42cm Surly LHT. So I feel that the fit is similar on these bikes (depending on components).

I have my Pacer set up as a sport-tourer with a light pannier rack and sometimes use it for commuting. It's a sturdy, inexpensive, easily replaceable frame that I don't worry too much about. My LHT is a pretty bombproof little bike. I've done two week+ tours with it in southwest Colorado.

I looked into a Crosscheck, but the standover of the 42cm model is 2cm taller than the 42cm Pacer and 42cm LHT. This is probably due to the increased tire clearance of the frame.

I looked into Somas, but the smallest ones are still too big for me.

Gunnars are nice, my bf has two Gunnar road bikes and a Rockhound mtn bike. But the smaller frame sizes have 650c wheels.

Wow! That's awesome! I have a 44cm ruby also. It's good to know that Surly is less then a Marinoni and is bombproof. What color is your LHT? I just wish their finishing is a bit cleaner. The one I saw the welding wasn't very clean. I don't know if that was a defect or what but I was kinda disappointed. It's really affordable and I guess I can always get it custom color at a body shop, since I would buy the frame and build it with different components.

[shootingstar]

So is this meant to be your new commuter bike?
Any trips that you are dreamin' of ? A trip out to the islands or Van. Island should be plenty of choice there in better seasons.

[Tri Girl]

What a gorgeous ride!!! It looks bomb-proof. Love it!!!!
Congrats on your new ride. What brand is your rear rack? Is it an old man mountain?

[canonsue]

Thanks everyone. I saw the Surly... not too thrill with the paint color. I know, it's really silly but I just can't see myself with it.

Is it the Truckaccino Cream color or the Olive Green color that you do not like?

I have a Truckaccino cream LHT. The color looks great in person and not so good in pictures. I have a black and cream theme going on mine. (black fenders, rack and black Brooks saddle)

But everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

-Sue

[pdxgal]

You may want to look at a Bike Friday. Their design is such that the geometry can easily accommodate shorter riders, even "little people". I went with their NWT model in large part because I got fed up trying to find a commuter/touring bike to fit my proportions: 5'8", with long legs and short torso (in dresses I need to wear Petites). Most bike top tubes were too long. Suppose I could've checked out Terry or other WSD bikes, but the Bike Friday has the added advantage (for me) of folding into a suitcase for travel. We've toured the Oregon Coast and in France, and the NWT performed well and was comfortable. It's also my commuter bike , and I like its nimble handling around town.

[emily_in_nc]

Second the "look at Bike Friday" idea. I'm 5'1.5" and love my Petite Pocket Crusoe! Great for utility rides (I'm at the food co-op in this photo), and DH and I have also done a fully loaded tour on 'em. Great bikes!